The gut isn’t just the stomach. The gut is the entire digestive tract (from the mouth to the rectum) and is a complex mix of organs, microbes, hormones, and enzymes. How this complex mix of organs interacts dictates how well you will absorb the foods you eat. So what happens or doesn’t happen in your gut will inevitably impact your daily lifestyle. Because the digestive tract delivers the nutrients we eat to our bodies, there are many steps we can take to make sure we reap the full reward from these nutrients in terms of absorption, especially if someone is prone to gas, bloating, acid reflux, constipation, or other distress after eating. Optimal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is vital to nutrient absorption, nutrient synthesis, the production of short-chain fatty acids for colon health, the elimination of waste, and proper immune function. An unhealthy diet, insufficient digestive enzymes, and taking various prescriptions can cause imbalances in the gut flora. That’s why supplementation is important, and it's is why Thorne offers well-researched, high-quality supplements that support a healthy gut.